Cleopatra: When we decided to start a new work in MacKenzie, we had a pastor that was anxious to take charge of that work. After the first meeting, Pastor Happy came to me to tell me of a young girl who was coming to the church. He was concerned because she had a rash from head to feet. He then told me that she was HIV positive so her aunt said there was nothing that could be done for her. I told Happy we would meet her but also gave a strong warning not to become attached to her because her prognosis did not sound hopeful. That Sunday we met Cleopatra for the first time and I was the one who did not listen to my warning.
She is a delightful seven year old who has the size of a four year old. She had been diagnosed two years ago with AIDS after the death of her mother, father and one year old brother. She was left in the care of her 12 year old sister and an aunt. They had never bothered to start her on anti-virals even though they can be gotten for free here. I started taking her to the clinic here and she is now on anti-virals. This has opened the door for me to speak to other mothers as we wait in the clinic for the doctors.
As I walk through the compound to bring her for bathing and supplemental food, the people are amazed to see a “white” person carrying one of their children. This also has given our pastor the opportunity to teach about Christian love.
God had truly used this precious child to teach us all about love and survival. Cleopatra needs all your prayers. She is very malnourished and has been hospitalized twice for blood transfusions.
Today as I gave her food for the weekend she started singing “If you’re happy and you know it, say AMEN”.
Larry Owens, Zambia